Stability Studies of Kynurenine Pathway Metabolites in Blood Components Define Optimal Blood Processing Conditions.

The kynurenine pathway (KP) is the main pathway of tryptophan (TRP) metabolism that generates energy for multiple cellular processes. The activity of this pathway has been shown to be dysregulated in multiple human diseases. The resultant modulation of metabolites has been suggested to comprise biomarkers to track disease progression or could identify new therapeutic targets.

The first 72 hours of brain tissue oxygenation predicts patient survival with traumatic brain injury.

Background: Utilization of brain tissue oxygenation (pBtO(2)) is an important but controversial variable in the treatment of traumatic brain injury. We hypothesize that pBtO(2) values over the first 72 hours of monitoring are predictive of mortality.

Methods: Consecutive, adult patients with severe traumatic brain injury and pBtO(2) monitors were retrospectively identified.

Cerebral perfusion pressure and intracranial pressure are not surrogates for brain tissue oxygenation in traumatic brain injury.

Objective: Utilization of brain tissue oxygenation (pBtO(2)) is an important but controversial variable in the treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI). We evaluated the correlation between pBtO(2)/CPP and pBtO(2)/ICP and determined the parameter most closely related to survival.

Methods: Consecutive, adult patients with severe TBI and pBtO(2) monitors were retrospectively identified.

Tight blood glucose control in trauma patients: Who really benefits?

Background: This study was designed to evaluate the effect of intensive insulin control (IIT) on outcomes for traumatically injured patients as a function of injury severity score (ISS) and age.

Patients And Methods: A retrospective review of 2028 adult trauma patients admitted to the surgical intensive care unit (SICU) in a Level I trauma center was performed. Data were collected from a 48-month period before (Pre-IIT) (goal blood glucose 80-200 mg/dL) and after (Post-IIT) (goal blood glucose level 80-110 mg/dL), an IIT protocol was initiated.

How surgical faculty and residents assess the first year of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education duty-hour restrictions: results of a multi-institutional study.

Background: This study examined how surgical residents and faculty assessed the first year of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education duty-hour restrictions.

Methods: Questionnaires were administered in 9 general-surgery programs during the summer of 2004; response rates were 63% for faculty and 58% for residents (N = 259). Questions probed patient care, the residency program, quality of life, and overall assessments of the duty-hour restrictions.